B1adverb2K

Equally

UK /["/ˈiːkwəli/"]/US /["/ˈiːkwəli/"]/

Definition

to the same degree; in the same or in a similar way

In simple words: In the same way or to the same degree.

Examples

  • Diet and exercise are **equally important**.
  • **equally good/impressive/effective**
  • This job could be done **equally well** by a computer.
  • Everyone should be **treated equally**.
  • The findings of the survey **apply equally to** adults and children.
  • The birds are equally at home in a woodland or riverside environment.
  • She may have arrived late or it is equally possible that she never went there at all.
  • The money was **divided equally** among her four children.
  • They share the housework equally.
  • I'm trying to do what is best, but equally I've got to consider the cost.

Usage notes

Use 'equally' when comparing two or more things that are similar in some aspect. Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'equal' with a 'ly' at the end — like two friends sharing equally.

Collocations

  • equally important
  • equally shared
  • equally capable
  • equally beneficial

Synonyms

  • evenly
  • similarly
  • uniformly
  • identically
  • equally as

Antonyms

  • unequally
  • disparately

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'equal' — use 'equally' only as an adverb.
  • Using 'equally' to compare more than two things where 'as' might be better.
  • Misplacing it in a sentence, making the comparison unclear.